On this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host AshleyO’Neil is joined by Erica Shoemate, who shares her deeply personal journey through pregnancy and the challenges she faced along the way. From her initial hesitation about becoming a mom to the heartbreaking news she received during her anatomy scan; Erica walks us through the emotional and medical decisions that shaped her NICU experience. She also talks about the importance of supportand advocacy for moms—especially in the Black community—and how her own story has inspired her to help others find their voice and their healing. You do not want to miss this episode!

Interested in connecting with Erica?

Website: www.ericalshoemate.comInstagram: @nias_journey

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host AshleyO'Neil speaks with Jocelyn Duvall, a NICU mama who shares her heart-wrenching journey of delivering her daughter at 25 weeks and the challenges she faced in the NICU. Jocelyn discusses the emotional toll of losing her daughter, the lackof support from the healthcare system, and her mission to create a nonprofit foundation in her daughter's honor. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, awareness of pregnancy and infant loss, and the need for better resources for families navigating the NICU experience.

Interested in learning more about Jocelyn and the Forever Jewelz Foundation? Please check out her website and Instragram.

The Forever Jewelz 1st Annual 5K will be held on 10/25/25 in Lorton, VA. Registration closes on 10/11. I will be there, will you?

Website: foreverjewelz.org

Instragram: foreverjewelz_

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host Ashley O'Neil speaks with Dr. Melinda Elliott, Chief Medical Officer for Prolacta Bioscience, about the critical importance of nutrition for premature babies. They discuss the unique nutritional needs of these infants, the role of human milk fortifiers, and the advocacy parents must engage in to ensure their babies receive the best care possible in the NICU. Their conversation also explores the emotional ups and downs of the NICU journey—from the challenges families face to the joy of discharge day—highlighting how support, advocacy, and open communication can make all the difference. You do not want to miss this episode!

Interested in learning more about human milk-based fortifiers (HMF)?

Check out Prolacta Science’s ParentSupport Page.

Follow Prolacta Bioscience on Instagram @ prolacta_bioscience

And review these studies:

ASSAD et al: Conducted at the hospital where Dr. Elliott practices. Demonstrates reduced incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), reduced length of stay, and cost savings.

SULLIVAN et al: Study demonstrated significantly lower rate of NEC when EHMD was used.

HAIR et al: Demonstrated that premature infants fed an EHMD had a significantly lower incidence of NEC, mortality, late-onset sepsis, ROP, and BPD, compared with infants fed cow milk-based nutrition.

In this episode of Ask a NICU Mama, host Ashley O’Neil sits down with Cathy Garrett, host of the Birth Trauma Stories podcast. Cathy opens up about her two NICU journeys, traumatic births, and the challenges of long-term recovery. Together, they discuss motherhood, resilience, faith, and the vital role of community support. Cathy also shares what inspired her to start her own podcast to help other parents navigate birth trauma and find healing. 💛 You do not want to miss this episode!

Interested in learning more about Cathy?

Instagram: birthtraumastoriespodcastWebsite: www.birthtraumastories.com

Podcast: Birth Trauma Stories Podcast

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, hostAshley O'Neil speaks with Kirill, the vice president of community engagement for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of DC. They discuss the vital support provided to families with children in the NICU, the history and mission of the Ronald McDonald House, and the various services offered to alleviate the stress of families during medical crises. Kirill shares his personal journey and the importance of community involvement, partnerships with hospitals, and upcoming events to support the organization. You do not want to miss this episode!

Interested in learning more about the DC Ronald McDonaldHouse? We check out their website at rmhcdc.org.

Please also consider signing up to participate in the RMHAnnual Red Shoe 5k on October 5th, 2025 at the National Harbor at RedShoe5k.org.

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, I amjoined by Deb Discenza, a global preemie advocate, author, nonprofit founder and so much more. She shares her journeyas a NICU mama, detailing her experiences from pregnancy challenges to the emotional rollercoaster of having a baby in the NICU. The discussion highlights the importance of advocacy, support systems, and the long-term impacts ofprematurity on families. Deb shares insights on navigating the healthcare system, the emotional toll of NICU stays, and the need for better resources and communication for parents. You do not want to miss this episode!

Interested in connecting with Deb?

Website: https://preemieworld.org/LinkedIn: Deb Discenza

Instagram: @preemiecrystalball and @ preemieworld

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, I’mjoined by Shannon, who shares her powerful journey as a NICU mom to both of her children. She opens up about the challenges of preterm birth, the emotional weight of a NICU stay, and the added complexities of being a hard of hearingmother during a pandemic. Shannon also reflects on her growth, the role of support systems, and her advocacy for greater representation and resources for hard of hearing mothers in the parenting community. You do not want to missthis episode!

Are you interested in connecting with Shannon? You can follow her on Instagram @shanb_mamasqd.

You can find more resources, stories, and support byvisiting our website at www.nicuworld.comor connecting with us on social media @itsanicuworld.

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, I’mjoined by Shireen and Adrianna, chairs of the Mount Sinai Parent Advisory Committee in Toronto, Canada. Together, we dive into their personal journeys as NICU parents—the challenges they faced, the resilience they discovered, and the power of community support. They open up about the impact of preeclampsia, the importance of connecting with other NICU families, and the vital role advocacy plays in navigating the NICU. We also discuss the incredible work they do with the Parent Advisory Committee to create a better experience for families. Most importantly, we talk about the ongoing journey of healing, growth, and findinghope after the NICU. You do not want to miss this episode.

You can learn more about the Mount Sinai Parent AdvisoryCommittee by following them on Instagram @msnicupac.